A Personalized Approach to Cancer Screening and Prevention in People with Lynch Syndrome

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Cancer genetics expert Zsofia Stadler of Memorial Sloan Kettering says the risk of developing gastrointestinal, gynecologic, or other types of cancer associated with Lynch syndrome depends on the specific genetic mutation a person has. MLH1 and MSH2 are the most common genetic mutations associated with Lynch syndrome, but scientists have identified additional mutations such as MSH6, PMS2, and TAC/STD1. New information about the risk of cancer associated with different genetic mutations could pave the way for a more personalized approach to cancer screening and prevention. A diagnostic test of stool or tumor cells that looks for methylated DNA, which occurs in cancer cells, may offer a less invasive alternative to colonoscopy.